ABOUT BAD
BAD is all about crime.
The BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival is an annual event that explores what crime can tell us about human beings today and in the past. Speakers include writers, reporters and film-makers, and professionals from the justice system such as detectives, judges and psychologists.
Sydney is particularly appropriate for such exploration because it was founded by convicts and their guards. It has been significantly affected by crime and corruption for much of its history.
BAD also has a year-round program of live and online events, podcasts, book clubs and more, showcasing the very best of Australian and International crime writing.
BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival is a formally constituted not-for-profit organisation.
BAD PEOPLE
Dr Sue Turnbull
CHAIR
Sue Turnbull is Senior Professor of Communication and Media at the University of Wollongong. She has been reviewing crime fiction for The Sydney Morning Herald and the Age for over twenty years. She has been a crime fiction judge for the Ned Kelly Awards, the Davitt Awards and is an Ambassador for Sisters in Crime Australia. Her academic publications include The TV Crime Drama (Edinburgh University Press 2014) and Media Audiences (Palgrave Macmillan 2020).
Michael Duffy
FORMER CHAIR
Michael Duffy is the author of true crime books including Call Me Cruel and Sydney Noir, and the Nicholas Troy crime fiction novels. He is a co-founder of BAD Sydney, a former
publisher, journalist and presented Radio National’s ‘Counterpoint’ for many years.
Catherine du Peloux Menagé
Artistic Director
After a career in educational publishing, Catherine is now a teacher and facilitator at writers’ festivals and literary events. She co-founded the St Albans Writers’ Festival in 2015 and was its Artistic Director from 2015 to 2018. Catherine is Director of the Rose Scott Women Writers’ Festival at the Women’s Club and a Judge of the annual Ned Kelly Awards. She has
been Artistic Director of BAD Sydney since 2019.
Denis Tracey
Denis Tracey is a former academic and author of two books on family-owned business and philanthropy. He is a co-founder of BAD Sydney. Now semi-retired he spends a lot of his time travelling and reading crime stories.
Suzanne Leal
Suzanne Leal is the author of novels The Deceptions (Allen & Unwin), The Teacher’s Secret (Allen & Unwin) and Border Street (Scribe). A regular presenter at literary events and festivals, she was the senior judge for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards from 2017 to 2019 and is a book reviewer for The Australian. A lawyer experienced in child protection, criminal law and refugee law, Suzanne is a senior member of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and former member of the Refugee Review Tribunal.
Mike Field
Mike Field is a strategic marketing professional with extensive experience in non-for-profit sector, media, associations and arts institutions. Joining the BAD Board is his first attempt to profit from crime.
Dr Kerry Little
Kerry Little is a marketing and communications executive whose career has spanned professional services, technology, higher education, and consulting. She has a Masters in Writing and a PhD from UTS and a passion for crime writing.
Andy Muir
Andy Muir is the author of three crime novels including ‘Hiding to Nothing’ which was nominated for a Ned Kelly Award for best debut. He is also a successful screenwriter and story researcher, having been a key member of the creative team involved with the Underbelly television franchise. Currently studying a Masters in Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Sydney, Andy is also an industry mentor, educator and public speaker.